Introduction
When job seekers complain that finding a new job is a full-time job, they are not kidding. People must put in personal unpaid time to become fully informed about the labor market, or else they will find themselves unemployed for far longer than they ever could have anticipated. In fact, this is what happened after the Great Recession of 2008, which resulted in many Americans being laid off and out of work for months and years. One particular group became known as the 99ers, because they exhausted 99 weeks of unemployment benefits. It has literally taken some job seekers almost two years to find new work, while many others are still fruitless.
If you are a part of the long-term unemployed or you are just having general difficulty finding information about the jobs that you are interested in, there are at least three good resources for finding this data.
Step 1
Consult various government agencies for jobs information. Start on a national level and then go to the local government level.
For example, visit the website for the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn information about a job in which you have an interest. The web address is www.bls.gov. Use the search box on the website to search for a specific job, such as accountant or carpenter and the search will results will return an exact match or something very close. Additionally, visit the Department of Labor's website at www.dol.gov.
Your state and local governments also have labor and employment divisions that collect jobs information. Simply visit those respective websites or visit your local offices for assistance.
Step 2
Use employers and companies to find jobs information. These are the entities that hire employees and pay them income for work that is completed. Usually, it's the hiring managers and human resources professionals within these organizations that have specific jobs information.
For example, if you interested in becoming a cashier at a local supermarket, you should contact or call the stores for more information. However, the information you might find is that many stores are not hiring as many cashiers as was the case in the past, because of the use of automated check out scanners and lanes.
Step 3
Meet the counselors and deans at colleges and career schools to find jobs information. Employers and companies consult with these professionals at institutions of higher learning to make sure that students are learning the skills and information needed to work in the current job market.
Tips
- Sometimes you have to go into a job situation with no preliminary information. It's only after getting hired and going through orientation and training that you learn the true nature of the job.
Sources and Citations
- " Salary Information: What Am I Worth? Salary Research Tips | Monster." Career advice, interview questions, salary comparisons, and resume tips from Monster. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/salary-information/determine-what-you-are-worth/article.aspx>.
- " Top Career Research Tools | Monster." Career advice, interview questions, salary comparisons, and resume tips from Monster. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/top-career-research-tools/article.aspx>.
- "CareerOneStop - Employment Center Resources." Careers and Career Information - CareerOneStop . N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.careeronestop.org/employmentcenter/EmploymentCenterPgTwo.asp>.
- "CareerOneStop - Job Seeker Resources." Careers and Career Information - CareerOneStop . N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.careeronestop.org/jobseeker/Jobseekers_info.asp>.
- "How a Career Information Center Can Help You Find Your Career." dotDefender Blocked Your Request. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.recruiter.com/career-advice/how-a-career-information-center-can-help-you-find-your-career/>.
- "How to Determine What Salary to Ask For - On Careers (usnews.com)." Business News and Financial News - US News Business. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/05/09/how-to-determine-what-salary-to-ask-for>.
- "Research Job Prospects Before Investing in Your Education - Student Loan Ranger (usnews.com)." US News & World Report | News & Rankings | Best Colleges, Best Hospitals, and more. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/student-loan-ranger/2011/10/19/research-job-prospects-before-investing-in-your-education>.
- "Research Student Employment Opportunities - Experience.com." Experience™ | Entry Level Jobs for College Students & Graduates. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2012. <http://www.experience.com/alumnus/article?channel_id=government&source_page=additionalarticles&article_id=article_1143036793464>.